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THANK YOU
(Shelly Gibson)
Several weeks ago I received a phone call from a pastor who asked me if I would be interested in coming in to talk to him about their secretarial position. My husband said that it doesn’t hurt to go. I went in and felt very comfortable there. The interview, if you could call it that, went very well. He seemed to have made the decision before I left that he wanted to hire me. After a couple of phone conversations and much prayer, I turned the position down. I asked God if I had made the right decision and not long after that, the church called me back. After agonizing with much prayer and fasting, I accepted the position. I was afraid for many different reasons. I wouldn’t be making quite as much, though they were more than fair with their offer. It is a longer drive and there is a stretch of about 10 miles that I don’t get cell service. And, I’m not getting any younger, do I really want to make a job change. However, after I accepted the position, my husband got a raise that covered the difference of my pay. God is so good.
In Genesis 11:31-12:4 talks about Abram’s father, Tereh, took his family and set out for Canaan. However, when he came to Haran he “settled” there. He never made it to his destination. This land that was abundant he never saw because he was content with Haran. When his father died God told Abram to go to the land that he would show him and He will bless him with abundant increase. Sometimes we are afraid to go somewhere or do something because “we” do not know how it will turn out. But God has a plan and I know that He would not have me make such a painful decision to leave me hanging. I just had to say, “Yes,” and trust Him. Obedience is difficult when you don’t know how things are going to happen. I want to be like Abraham and do what God says and trust Him at His word. He didn’t say, “OK, God, but how is this going to happen?” He just said, “OK,” and trusted God to do what He said He was going to do.
It has been a pleasure and very humbling to be a part of this family. Thank you all so much for the wonderful words of encouragement with all of the cards, emails, notes, and gifts. It has been very overwhelming to have had such an outpouring of love from you all. You all will be in my heart and prayers. May God bless you all as you continue to seek His will.
With many blessings and much love,
Shelly Gibson
How we handle your monetary gifts to God that you send to the presbytery: Our treasurer receives all undesignated money applying this formula. 65% goes to the presbytery unified budget; 25% goes to General Assembly; 10% goes to the Synod of Lincoln Trails.
Some folks still want to talk about per capita, but we are asking you to pledge meeting our challenge: Our old budget was divided into two parts: the per capita part and the mission part. Since the mission part included three salaries, we have been operating with a unified budget so we could pay salaries plus give money to Geneva Center. We are sending your church a challenge letter updating you on this way of giving.
If you still want to think about per capita, we can give you two numbers: $36.31 is the per capita amount we used last year and we are giving the same answer this year. Unfortunately, that number only reflects the first 28 items on the budget. To cover the entire budget, we would need $56.53 per member.
In the November Presbytery Packet, commissioners and ministers will receive an Excel document listing all the churches and their giving to the presbytery so far this year. The 2008 proposed budget is also an Excel document. We will have printed copies at the sign in desk, if you are unable to access these documents on your computer.
Ann Bingaman
Moderator, Administrative Ministry Team
For the most recent regional representative review, please click HERE.
Health Risk Assessment – free $25 gift certificate
Have you heard about the $25 gift certificate as an incentive for you to get an evaluation of your health? All you have to do is fill out a form of information about your life style and health numbers (Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, etc) and you will receive a gift certificate for $25 to about a dozen stores from whom to choose. Go on-line to the www.pensions.org and click on the link to the Mayo Clinic Health Risk Assessment site.
I got my gift certificate to Appleby’s Restaurant.
In Christ,
David Smook
Pastor to Pastors
ALBAN WEEKLY
The October 15, 2007 issue of Alban Weekly discusses "The Purpose of Staff Meetings." To read this article please click on the date.